Share This

Technology that blocks pain at the source

BioWave’s patented, proven, effective neurostimulation is changing lives every day. It leapfrogs today’s current technology with its bold pain blocking approach to pain relief. Because it’s designed to block pain at the source, healthcare providers and patients alike affectionately call BioWave devices the “blue box” as if it has magical properties to it - read on, and you’ll understand why.

The BioWave Difference

There are many differences between BioWave’s neurostimulators and TENS, IFC and NMES devices. BioWave “blue boxes” utilize a proprietary signal mixing technology that delivers two continuously summed, high-frequency alternating current signals through skin into deep tissue where the body creates a new set of signals, one of which is in the form of a low-frequency electrical field. This field is optimized for blocking pain and providing functional improvement including a greater range of motion and a reduction in stiffness and muscle spasm for up to 72 hours with percutaneous electrodes and for up to 24 hours with noninvasive electrodes following a 30-minute treatment. In addition to providing long-lasting efficacy, these signals are significantly more comfortable leading to improved patient treatment compliance.

BioWave High-Frequency Signal Technology

BioWave is a frequency conduction pain block. BioWave’s signal technology is based on the discovery that when two sinusoidal high-frequency signals are summed (added) together in the device and then delivered into the body through a single electrode, the signals will pass into deep tissue and affect all polarized tissues including nociceptive pain fibers. As the summed signals pass through the body, polarized structures like the membrane of the C-fiber, A-delta fiber and muscle tissue act in a non-linear fashion and force the further multiplication of these signals, resulting in a new spectrum of signals. Multiplication of the high-frequency signals results in the formation of an active therapeutic low frequency electrical field focused in approximately a 3.5-inch diameter hemisphere beneath and surrounding each electrode, not across the surface of the skin between the electrodes. This active electrical field is thought to hyperpolarize C-fibers inhibiting action potential propagation along these pain fibers (Frequency Conduction Block Theory). The active electrical field also induces hypoesthesia 5 minutes into the treatment and causes an increase in blood flow in the volume of tissue beneath and surrounding each electrode. Hypoesthesia remains at the treatment site for up to 20 minutes following a 30-minute treatment. Additionally, muscle tissue is held in tension during the treatment, so the treatment feels like a deep smooth pressure sensation.

Active Feedback Control

All BioWave devices utilize the company’s patented signal technology which includes active monitoring and control of the electrical signals to ensure the accurate and safe delivery of therapeutic energy into deep tissue. BioWave neurostimulators calculate current density at the surface of each electrode in real time and automatically prevent patients from receiving too much current which could lead to a burn.

How do BioWave Neurostimulators Work?

All BioWave devices deliver the two, summed high-frequency signals to the first electrode; they mix in the volume of tissue beneath that electrode, then pass to the second electrode and return to the device, completing the circuit. Instantaneously, the summed signals are delivered to the second electrode; they mix in the tissue beneath that electrode, then pass to the first electrode and return to the device.

The device alternates the summed high-frequency signals so quickly between the two electrodes that the patient cannot distinguish that the signals left either location. The net effect is there are two active electrodes, each of which can treat a distinct volume of tissue simultaneously and there is no noxious twitching sensation.

TENS vs BioWave

TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Low frequency signals (1-180Hz in frequency) are required to inhibit transmission of pain signals along nerve fibers in the body. However, electrical signals in this frequency range cannot pass through the skin because of the skin’s impedance and capacitance. TENS devices deliver pulsed low-frequency signals across the surface of skin typically between two surface electrodes placed on either side of the painful area. The result is a surface effect based on Gate Control Theory and the patient feels a noxious twitching, electrical sensation between the electrodes. The sensation produced by TENS may act as a distraction from the pain while the device is on, however, there is little residual benefit or functional improvement once the therapy session is over.

BioWave

Subcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

High-frequency signals (greater than 1000Hz in frequency) easily pass through the skin. Trouble is, these signals used individually do not elicit an electrical or mechanical response from either nerve fibers or muscle tissue to inhibit pain transmission. BioWave’s signal technology is based on the discovery that when two sinusoidal high-frequency signals are summed (added) together in the device and then delivered into the body through a single electrode, the signals will pass into deep tissue and affect all polarized tissues including nociceptive pain fibers. As the summed signals pass through the body, polarized structures like the membrane of the C-fiber, A-delta fiber and muscle tissue act in a non-linear fashion and force the further multiplication of these signals, resulting in a new spectrum of signals. Multiplication of the high-frequency signals results in the formation of an active therapeutic low frequency electrical field focused in approximately a 3.5-inch diameter hemisphere beneath and surrounding each electrode, not across the surface of the skin between the electrodes. This active electrical field is thought to hyperpolarize C-fibers inhibiting action potential propagation along these pain fibers (Frequency Conduction Block Theory). The active electrical field also induces hypoesthesia 5 minutes into the treatment and causes an increase in blood flow in the volume of tissue beneath and surrounding each electrode. Hypoesthesia remains at the treatment site for up to 20 minutes following a 30-minute treatment. Additionally, muscle tissue is held in tension during the treatment, so the treatment feels like a deep smooth pressure sensation.

Interferential Current (IFC)

IFC devices use four surface electrodes (two pairs of electrodes) that are placed in an “X” pattern surrounding a painful area. IFC delivers two separate pulsed, high-frequency signals, one between each pair of electrodes. The two pulsed signals cross paths on the surface of the skin. At the point of intersection, an interference pattern develops resulting in a new low-frequency signal equal to the difference between the signals. This is called the beat frequency. Since the two signals intersect on the surface, the resulting beat frequency produces mostly a surface effect similar to TENS and based on Gate Control Theory.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES devices use up to eight electrodes typically placed at proximal and distal ends of a muscle to cause repeated cyclic contractions to increase blood flow and reduce atrophy. NMES devices are not indicated for pain relief.

Electrode Technology

BioWave’s therapeutic signals can be focused to different parts of the body by pairing electrodes of different sizes and types with one another. The electrodes are independent of one another and there is no maximum distance between the two electrodes.

Different Electrode Sets for Focusing the Electric Field

Example of E-Set non-invasive electrodes

1 Location of Pain: E-Set

By pairing an electrode of smaller area with an electrode of larger area, or by pairing a percutaneous electrode with a larger noninvasive electrode, the electric field is more concentrated beneath the smaller area electrode or beneath the percutaneous electrode. Therefore, the smaller round electrode or the percutaneous electrode needs to be placed directly over the single location of pain. The larger rectangular electrode is still active but acts as a dispersive electrode and must be placed over a bony prominence typically near the treatment site. Placement of the larger electrode over a bony prominence allows the patient to more comfortably increase the intensity of the signal to higher levels allowing a stronger electric field to encompass the pain site under the smaller round noninvasive or percutaneous electrode.

Example of B-Set non-invasive electrodes

2 Locations of Pain: B-Set

The B-Set is comprised of two same size round electrodes which can be used to treat two distinct volumes of tissue simultaneously. If the two equal area electrodes are placed close together so that there is only 1.0 inch of space between them, the pair can be used to treat one larger volume of tissue. The B-Set is also used to treat neuropathic pain, for example, from radiculopathies (radiating pain). One electrode is placed over the source of the pain, 0.5 inches to the right or left of the spine in the direction the pain is radiating. For example, for a right side radiculopathy, one electrode is placed 0.5 inches to the right of the spine to block the pain signals traveling down toward the right leg. The second electrode is placed in the first location that the pain presents closest to the source, for example, on the buttock.

Example of B-Set Percutaneous electrodes

Percutaneous Electrodes

http://www.biowave.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/image_5.jpg
BioWave percutaneous electrodes are a patented microneedle technology that provide a direct conductive pathway through skin, bypassing the impedance of skin, allowing for even deeper penetration of the active BioWave electrical field. Percutaneous electrodes are comfortable and feel like Velcro to the touch and should be used for more severe nociceptive or neuropathic pain conditions.

"I wanted to let you know about my experience with BioWave. I have been struggling with severe back and neck pain for over 30 years. I was beginning to think nothing would ever help. I had tried everything except major surgery. I was ecstatic when I tried the BioWave device that the V.A. hospital had and it relieved my muscle and nerve pain for hours. This device allowed me to get sleep, and even to start going out in public. The company is super responsive to questions and very professional. I love this device! One great company!"

Joseph Dean

Durham, NC

"The BioWave unit is superior to the TENS unit that I previously had used since 1996. I was impressed with the residual pain relief experienced after using the BioWave. I am a chemist and as such, I tend to notate details when working with an alternate therapy. I can wholeheartedly recommend BioWave over the TENS unit as helpful in relieving pain."

BioWave beats TENS

"I’m Nathan Stupar and am currently a linebacker for the New York Giants. I recently tore my ACL on punt coverage during our game against the Detroit Lions. During my recovery, I used BioWave nonstop. It blocked the pain, allowed me to complete my rehab more easily and helped me get back onto the field quicker. I began to play my best football on special teams. The BioWave gave me a quicker healing timeline and took away the pains. I highly recommend it to those who are looking for an edge on recovery and pain relief. It really does wonders. Thank you BioWave for keeping me right and to bringing me back as soon as possible so I can be back to playing on Sundays!"